Kifaru Fulcrum or Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900

[TheObserver]

About to pull the trigger on a new bag here, if any of you guys have used these bags or even used both before and got some input would appreciate hearin' from ya.

After research one of these two bags is the one I will go with, I need one that holds alot but they also compress nice for day use as well i've been told, already got a day bag too I could just attach to the frame if I don't want to use the big bag, Kifaru frame would be the duplex lite and Stone Glacier would be the XCurve frame.

I can't try em both on unless I wait until August and go up to Precision Optics on my way to Alberta to visit family, might be smarter to wait and do that.

Leaning more towards the Kifaru.

[Harvest the Land]

Haven't tried the Kifaru and didn't feel a need too after I put on the my SG Sky 5900 with the Xcurve. It might be the best hunting purchase I've ever made. And Omer is awesome to deal with

[TheObserver]

Haven't tried the Kifaru and didn't feel a need too after I put on the my SG Sky 5900 with the Xcurve. It might be the best hunting purchase I've ever made. And Omer is awesome to deal with

I keep reading good things about the xcurve doing no sliding with heavy loads, so definitely on the fence right now, though I know Kifaru is super tough and even their sewing needles are made in USA, literally everything, which appeals to me

[stoneramhunter]

I've had several bags over the years but my Stone Glacier has been the best. packed moose, sheep , elk , heavy weight and its held up incredibly well and ive had it for years. I did customize my pack by attaching a light daypack to the outside that i utilize instead of adding pouches.

[HighCountryBC]

Have a SG. It's the last bag I'll ever own. I've never had comfort and fit like that in an expedition pack before. Love its functionality as well.

That being said, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

[300rum700]

The only advantage with going with stone glacier is weight savings. Build quality, durability and comfort go to kifaru and yes I've used both.

[boonerbucks]

I have had a sky pack on a x curve frame since 2015. That pack has been through hell and back packing out countless animals. From moose in the Yukon to goats in the koots it’s has preformed flawless. I use It on day trips all the time and generally just run it in bivy mode. I can’t tell you how happy I have been with the bag and highly recommend it.

[Bullreaper]

Do you want one big bag, or do you want a couple pockets on the bag as well? If you like a couple pockets, Kifaru. If you want light weight and just a bag, SG. They are both quality packs. Can’t go wrong with either. I personally run a kifaru, cause the frame fits me better than a SG. My kifaru has never let me down. I’ve never run the fulcrum, but have run the ma deuce, DT1 and a Dall. They are all excellent bags and bomb proof. SG and Kifaru are both top notch, but now that SG is owned by Vista Outdoors, I lean towards kifaru, much rather support a small independently owned company rather than a stock market listed investment firm. Have you looked at Exo K4? They will be available March 28th. Kifaru has been good to me for a lot of years and a lot of heavy miles, but will be getting a K4 as soon as they are out.

[Bustercluck]

I’ve never used either, but I have a hunting partner with each, but not sure which models. From what I’ve seen I would go with the kifaru. That being said I recommended the kifaru to a friend of mine which he bought and he’s happy with, but he wishes he would’ve bought a Marshall when they go on sale.

[SR80]

If your looking for a large expedition bag that will compress nicely to use as a day pack go for the Stone glacier 100%, nobody beats their bag designs as far as that goes. Ive run both bags, never a fulcrum though. I never understood why people even like that thing. It looks like a huge strappy mess, specially when its not fully loaded to the gills, as most kifaru packs are. Some people dont like SG packs because of the lack of pockets/organization. They do sell pockets to attach to the inside of the bag if needed. SG has wayyyyyyy better costumer service than kifaru. I do like the duplex lite frame, it is comfortable but so is the SG frame, but the SG bags are far superior in design than kifaru ones. Those two packs will likely be 2-3 lbs different with SG being the lighter of the two, kifaru is famous for listing a lighter weight on their website than actual weight of their products.

As mentioned above, the Exo K4 coming out at the end of this month looks awesome. It really looks like a mix of a kifaru ( frame ) and nice bag (SG) in one. They do have a 7600ish ci model coming out as well which might suit you. Ill be grabbing a 5600 from them!

[dapesche]

The only advantage with going with stone glacier is weight savings. Build quality, durability and comfort go to kifaru and yes I've used both.

I don't totally agree with that stmt. I've owned both as well.

[dapesche]

SR80 has it right.


You really need to try both frames on with weight. I was ok with the kifaru until I put weight on it. With 70# in it, the bag just wanted to pull away from my body.

I've packed out elk with my xcurve and my kuiu pro and neither frame gave me issues.

[Jereky]

I’ve got a Kifaru on the duplex lite with both a Dall and Stryker bag attachment. Frame is incredibly comfortable with weight in it and sturdy. Build quality is overbuilt I’d say which I enjoy because I hate gear failures in the field. I have no experience with SG.

[spreerider]

Stone Glacier for sure, i have the sky 5900, Avail 2200, ULT tent, Skyline bino harness, gators, all of it top quality better than any others i have tried.
packed out an elk a couple years back, 100lb+ bags 7 trips no problem and the pack didnt slip or shift at all, it was as close to comfortable as possible.

[TheObserver]

Thanks for the replies fellas, always appreciated!

[TheObserver]

Do you want one big bag, or do you want a couple pockets on the bag as well? If you like a couple pockets, Kifaru. If you want light weight and just a bag, SG. They are both quality packs. Can’t go wrong with either. I personally run a kifaru, cause the frame fits me better than a SG. My kifaru has never let me down. I’ve never run the fulcrum, but have run the ma deuce, DT1 and a Dall. They are all excellent bags and bomb proof. SG and Kifaru are both top notch, but now that SG is owned by Vista Outdoors, I lean towards kifaru, much rather support a small independently owned company rather than a stock market listed investment firm. Have you looked at Exo K4? They will be available March 28th. Kifaru has been good to me for a lot of years and a lot of heavy miles, but will be getting a K4 as soon as they are out.


If your looking for a large expedition bag that will compress nicely to use as a day pack go for the Stone glacier 100%, nobody beats their bag designs as far as that goes. Ive run both bags, never a fulcrum though. I never understood why people even like that thing. It looks like a huge strappy mess, specially when its not fully loaded to the gills, as most kifaru packs are. Some people dont like SG packs because of the lack of pockets/organization. They do sell pockets to attach to the inside of the bag if needed. SG has wayyyyyyy better costumer service than kifaru. I do like the duplex lite frame, it is comfortable but so is the SG frame, but the SG bags are far superior in design than kifaru ones. Those two packs will likely be 2-3 lbs different with SG being the lighter of the two, kifaru is famous for listing a lighter weight on their website than actual weight of their products.

As mentioned above, the Exo K4 coming out at the end of this month looks awesome. It really looks like a mix of a kifaru ( frame ) and nice bag (SG) in one. They do have a 7600ish ci model coming out as well which might suit you. Ill be grabbing a 5600 from them!

I was told about Exo on here, one of the reasons I didn't choose it was because I want one bag that I can take and be gone for 10 days.

But..... that K4 looks nice and they got one in the upper 7000 ci. Will have to look into that bag for sure!

[Bullreaper]

Here’s a link that shows behind the scenes of how K4 was developed if it interests you.
https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/k4-pack-systems-behind-the-design-part-2?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=D8N3UzqDlENzuVxK6R8iZbaUyC5mtQyVgmjwiV3xItM%3D .PEZ75u

As I said before, I love my Kifaru, excellent product, Aron and his crew are awesome to deal with. Customer service is phenomenal, I had a small tear on a strap on my waste belt. It was 100 percent abuse. Had an elk in my pack, took it off to find a way to navigate down a cliff, pack fell over and rolled off the cliff and it caught on some brush. Sent a picture to kifaru, they sent a brand new waist belt, next day air to Canada. No questions asked.
I’ve talked to Steve and Mark at Exo a few times, both great dudes. Exo packs got their own reputation for being one of the best. Like Kifaru, they are a small company, that produces a quality product. 100% of the material, workmanship, design etc. is in the USA. Their customer service is next level. If the small chance you have an issue, call them and they will go above and beyond for you.
Nothing but good experiences with both companies, but after talking to a couple of the guys that ran the K4 prototypes, I’m personally sold on K4. Their new 7200ci bag is actually over 7800. If a guy can’t get 10-14 days worth of gear in that, they need to learn to pack.

[GetLethal]

Probably super late to the party but id sell you a Ranger green fulcrum gen 1 for cheap! Its a great bag I just got a ma deuce that i prefer. Im in the kootenays but would ship.

[SR80]

I got the exo K4 5000 a few months ago now. Its my favorite pack, great design, frame is really comfortable. Hard for me to say but i like it better than the SG packs ive owned.

[sako79]

I purchased a SG sky 5900 xcurve. And I had it for a little year and could not get it to fit correctly. Spoon glacier was awesome they Phone name directly and tried to help me out to get a to fit even sent me new stays. But no matter what I could not get it to sit comfortable. I then bought the kifaru The waste belt is a million times better. Hands down the best on the market. My best advice if you could get to see Omer tried them on and see What fits best for you and put 70lbs in the pack when u are getting it fitted

[GetLethal]

I purchased a SG sky 5900 xcurve. And I had it for a little year and could not get it to fit correctly. Spoon glacier was awesome they Phone name directly and tried to help me out to get a to fit even sent me new stays. But no matter what I could not get it to sit comfortable. I then bought the kifaru The waste belt is a million times better. Hands down the best on the market. My best advice if you could get to see Omer tried them on and see What fits best for you and put 70lbs in the pack when u are getting it fitted
I also went from a SG to a Kifaru, do not regret it at all.

[SR80]

I purchased a SG sky 5900 xcurve. And I had it for a little year and could not get it to fit correctly. Spoon glacier was awesome they Phone name directly and tried to help me out to get a to fit even sent me new stays. But no matter what I could not get it to sit comfortable. I then bought the kifaru The waste belt is a million times better. Hands down the best on the market. My best advice if you could get to see Omer tried them on and see What fits best for you and put 70lbs in the pack when u are getting it fitted

SG's hip belt definitely needs to be revamped. Its ok, but doesn't compare to the exo K4 or kifaru belt. Although the kifaru one made my left leg go numb when packing heavy.

[Hadda]

If your looking for a large expedition bag that will compress nicely to use as a day pack go for the Stone glacier 100%, nobody beats their bag designs as far as that goes. Ive run both bags, never a fulcrum though. I never understood why people even like that thing. It looks like a huge strappy mess, specially when its not fully loaded to the gills, as most kifaru packs are. Some people dont like SG packs because of the lack of pockets/organization. They do sell pockets to attach to the inside of the bag if needed. SG has wayyyyyyy better costumer service than kifaru. I do like the duplex lite frame, it is comfortable but so is the SG frame, but the SG bags are far superior in design than kifaru ones. Those two packs will likely be 2-3 lbs different with SG being the lighter of the two, kifaru is famous for listing a lighter weight on their website than actual weight of their products.

As mentioned above, the Exo K4 coming out at the end of this month looks awesome. It really looks like a mix of a kifaru ( frame ) and nice bag (SG) in one. They do have a 7600ish ci model coming out as well which might suit you. Ill be grabbing a 5600 from them!

how is stone glacier CS better? Aron from kifaru texts me back within minutes sometimes

[Hadda]

About to pull the trigger on a new bag here, if any of you guys have used these bags or even used both before and got some input would appreciate hearin' from ya.

After research one of these two bags is the one I will go with, I need one that holds alot but they also compress nice for day use as well i've been told, already got a day bag too I could just attach to the frame if I don't want to use the big bag, Kifaru frame would be the duplex lite and Stone Glacier would be the XCurve frame.

I can't try em both on unless I wait until August and go up to Precision Optics on my way to Alberta to visit family, might be smarter to wait and do that.

Leaning more towards the Kifaru.

Ive tried a ton of packs and at this price point, it comes down to body type/personal preference. Just try some on with weight and get them adjusted PROPERLY, then make the choice and dont look back. Easy to spend more time goofing around with gear reviews and youtube videos than hunting

[GetLethal]

how is stone glacier CS better? Aron from kifaru texts me back within minutes sometimes
Yea, im interested as well. Kifaru being much bigger/busier, Aron responds to texts, the team on the facebook is amazing. Their CS is top notch imo.

[SR80]

Yea, im interested as well. Kifaru being much bigger/busier, Aron responds to texts, the team on the facebook is amazing. Their CS is top notch imo.

Just speaking from my experience over the years with both companies.

[GetLethal]

Just speaking from my experience over the years with both companies.
Elaborate?

[SR80]

I don't need to elaborate. You have your opinion and i have mine. I'm not going to change your mind, and I won't try to.

[GetLethal]

I don't need to elaborate. You have your opinion and i have mine. I'm not going to change your mind, and I won't try to.
Im not looking to have my mind changed, i have zero experience with SG's customer service. Genuinely interested in your experience...

[TheObserver]

I purchased a SG sky 5900 xcurve. And I had it for a little year and could not get it to fit correctly. Spoon glacier was awesome they Phone name directly and tried to help me out to get a to fit even sent me new stays. But no matter what I could not get it to sit comfortable. I then bought the kifaru The waste belt is a million times better. Hands down the best on the market. My best advice if you could get to see Omer tried them on and see What fits best for you and put 70lbs in the pack when u are getting it fitted


Ive tried a ton of packs and at this price point, it comes down to body type/personal preference. Just try some on with weight and get them adjusted PROPERLY, then make the choice and dont look back. Easy to spend more time goofing around with gear reviews and youtube videos than hunting

This is the smartest thing to do, and what I was originally going to do. Go up to Precision Optics on my way to Alberta this August to try packs on with weight. But I ended up going with the Kifaru Fulcrum (didn't want to pay border fees for K4), it's here now going to figure out how to utilize it best and put some weight in it this week. Couldn't wait until August, too impatient and got some no access deep backcountry Blacktail spots I got to start scouting well before August need to haul my tent in there.

Hopefully the pack suits me, dealt with Omer and he said try it out before taking it in the bush and if it ain't for me we will work something out and take care of ya, try it out in the next couple days here. Probably be fine, i'm young so there's that lol